Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President, Dies at 100
PLAINS, Ga. — Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
Carter's passing follows his decision in February 2023 to enter hospice care, opting to spend his remaining time at home with family after a series of hospitalizations.
Tributes to an Extraordinary Leader
President Joe Biden expressed profound sorrow at Carter's death, describing him as an “extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian” and a personal friend. Biden highlighted Carter’s compassion, moral clarity, and lifelong dedication to causes like eradicating disease, advancing human rights, ensuring free and fair elections, and advocating for the disadvantaged.
“To all the young people in this nation and anyone seeking a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter,” Biden remarked. “He exemplified principle, faith, and humility. He showed that America is great because its people are good – decent, honorable, courageous, and compassionate.”
Biden announced plans for a state funeral for Carter in Washington.
A Life of Service and Impact
Born on Oct. 1, 1924, Carter grew up on a peanut farm in Plains and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He served in the Navy, rising to the rank of lieutenant and working on submarines. In 2005, a nuclear-powered submarine was named the USS Jimmy Carter in his honor.
Carter’s political career began in 1962 when he was elected to the Georgia State Senate. As a relatively unknown Georgia governor, he launched a successful bid for the presidency in 1976, defeating Gerald Ford and positioning himself as a Washington outsider in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal.
His presidency, marked by achievements such as the Camp David Accords, was also met with challenges, including economic struggles and the Iran hostage crisis. Carter lost his reelection bid in 1980 to Ronald Reagan.
Legacy of Humanitarian Work
After leaving office, Carter’s influence grew through decades of advocacy for democracy, public health, and human rights. He and his wife, Rosalynn, founded The Carter Center in 1982, focusing on monitoring elections and combating diseases in developing nations.
Carter’s dedication to global peace earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He also worked tirelessly with Habitat for Humanity, volunteering alongside Rosalynn from 1984 to 2020.
Resilience in Later Years
Carter overcame several health challenges, including a melanoma diagnosis in 2015 and multiple injuries from falls in 2019. Despite these setbacks, he continued to contribute to humanitarian efforts and speak out on issues like threats to democracy.
A Remarkable Partnership
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, who were married for 77 years, had four children together and shared an enduring partnership. Rosalynn predeceased him in November 2023 at the age of 96.
Carter’s legacy endures as a testament to a life lived with purpose, humility, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity.
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